Central African President leads provisional results in controversial election • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Faustin-Archange Touadéra: Current President of the Central African Republic (CAR), recently re-elected for a third term.
• 2023 Constitutional Referendum: Allowed for the possibility of a third presidential term.
• Wagner Group: Russian mercenary group providing security support to Touadéra’s government.
• 2019 Peace Accord: Agreement ending a 13-year civil war, involving integration of warlords into government.
• Franco Presidency: Previous administration under which Touadéra served as Prime Minister.
• International Relations: Deteriorating relationship with France due to alignment with Russia.

Touadéra’s Re-election and Consolidation of Power

Provisional results indicate Faustin-Archange Touadéra has been re-elected as President of the Central African Republic for a third term, solidifying his position. Touadéra’s background is academic; he is a professor of mathematics and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Bangui, the country’s largest university. Prior to his presidency, he served as Prime Minister for five years under President Franco. He was initially elected in 2016 and secured re-election in 2020, an election already subject to allegations of fraud. The pathway to a third term was cleared by a new constitution approved via referendum in 2023. Touadéra actively campaigned for the constitutional change, stating, “As far as I’m concerned, I think the new constitution we’re going to introduce will help our country, the Central African Republic, to develop. That’s why I’m asking you all when the time is right to do as we say, vote so that we can move the country forward.”

Achievements and the 2019 Peace Deal

Touadéra’s campaign highlighted achievements in security and infrastructure development. A significant accomplishment cited was the 2019 peace deal, which formally ended 13 years of civil war. However, this agreement was controversial due to its inclusion of former warlords within the government structure as a condition for disarmament. This strategy aimed to stabilize the country by co-opting armed groups, but faced criticism for potentially legitimizing individuals with histories of violence.

Shifting Alliances and International Criticism

Initially, Touadéra enjoyed support from the international community. However, his increasing reliance on the Russian mercenary group, the Wagner Group, has led to significant criticism and earned him the moniker “President Wagner.” The Wagner Group provides Touadéra with security personnel, including bodyguards. Furthermore, his alignment with Moscow, particularly following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has resulted in a deterioration of relations with France. France responded by suspending economic cooperation with the CAR.

Controversy Surrounding the Latest Election

The most recent election, which Touadéra appears to have won decisively, has been marred by controversy. Anicet Georges Dologuélé, Touadéra’s main rival, has denounced the polls as fraudulent and claims to be the rightful winner. These accusations have been dismissed by President Touadéra and his administration. No specific details regarding the alleged fraud were provided in the transcript.

Synthesis

Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s re-election for a third term represents a continuation of his rule and a deepening of the Central African Republic’s ties with Russia. While he points to improvements in security and infrastructure, his government faces accusations of electoral fraud and increasing authoritarianism. The controversial 2019 peace deal and reliance on the Wagner Group highlight the complex political landscape and the challenges facing the CAR in achieving lasting stability and international legitimacy.